Where does the beauty in our world come from? But also, where does the pain and suffering come from? Why are we such amazing creatures and yet still do terrible things? Parashat Bereishit provides the answer to both of these questions. In fact, it goes beyond just answering these questions. It also lays a foundation for real hope.

How do we move from G-d’s judgment to G-d’s blessing?
Curse and blessing is a major theme in Torah. Obedience leads to blessing; disobedience to G-d leads to curse.
But when we have been disobedient, is there still hope beyond the curse of judgment? Parshat Noah shows us there is.

Foundational promises of blessing, which give hope to our cursed world; Parshat Lech Lecha is full of them!

What is needed for Israel to exist and be blessed?
Parshat VaYeira reveals the essential answer which is foundational to God’s plans in the Tanakh.

The LORD sends his Angel before Eliezer to find Rebbeca for Isaac. Who is this personal delegate of God who cares so much for the offspring of Abraham?

Parshat Toldot is a tale of two very different characters. But what determines that Jacob receives the blessing and not Esau?

Who is the God of Bethel who looks after Jacob in his hour of dire need?

From a night of fear to a morning of trust. What can bring such a radical change? Let’s discover the secret of Parshat Vayishlach.

If anything demonstrates the truthfulness of scripture, it is that it documents the sins of its heroes.

Our parsha this week illustrates this well. Even the sins of Israel’s patriarchs are not whitewashed.

G-d is at work. Miqets: at the end of two full years in prison, a great turnaround takes place. Joseph at last is taken out of the dungeon-pit to become Pharaoh’s grand vizier, ruler over all of Egypt.

A true leader in Israel! Parshat Vayigash reveals his character.

The book of Genesis traces a family tree: from Adam, through Noah, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But why is this family tree so important? And where is this all heading? The last parsha of Genesis, Parshat Vayechi, shows us.

Who is the One who appears to Moses in the burning bush in Exodus 3? Is it the L-RD Himself? Who else can be saying His holy name means “I am who I am”? Or is it the Angel of the L-RD who appears to Moses as that is what the text says?

What is our hope when things are rather getting worse than better? What is the surest anchor for our souls? How does G-d reveal his name? What is G-d’s enduring promise to Israel?

What is it that makes a distinction between Israel and Egypt?

In parshat Bo Moses encounters Pharaoh for the last time. Pharaoh is warned that the L-RD will strike every firstborn in Egypt but that not even a dog shall growl against the people of Israel. “That you may know that the L-RD makes a distinction between Israel and Egypt” (Exodus 11:7).

So G-d Himself is the distinction maker. But how does He do that?

Pharaoh’s mighty army sinks like lead into the deep. But the L-RD, Israel’s warrior-shepherd leads his people on dry land through the midst of the sea. Israel sings: “He has become for me Salvation” 

Was this only a unique thing of the past? Thankfully not! Through the Messiah, The L-RD again made a way where there was no way so his people can come home in His presence.  

The LORD brings Israel to himself at Mount Sinai. It happens in Parshat Yitro. His purpose is to make Israel a kingdom of priests.
But what about the gentiles?
And what about the tension, that is so palpable when the Holy God comes down? Israel needs Moses as mediator for a reason! And what if Israel fails to become a kingdom of priests?  

God’s covenant with Israel is officially ratified and Israel is quick to say: “We will do and we will listen”. Unfortunately this initial commitment turns out to be very fickle.

What can create in us lasting commitment to G-d?

Right before the ratification of the covenant there is a commandment to listen to a very special angel. Can he help? After all, Malachi calls him later: “The Angel of the Covenant” (Malachi 3:1)

Israel had to build a tent-sanctuary. The L-RD wants to dwell among his people. But What is, most important place in this Sanctuary? Where does the L-RD reside?

The place where the L-RD resides is called the kapporet and this place and name conveys a message of the utmost importance.

How can a Holy G-d look favorably on us? Can we come directly to G-d or do we need a mediator? What does the Torah teach us?

Parshat Tetsaveh shows us Aaron as a glorious Priest. He is a picture of the ultimate mediator the Messiah.